PARENTAL EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND INCOME LEVEL: A CATALYST FOR CAREER ASPIRATION AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OGOJA EDUCATION ZONE OF CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the influence of parental educational qualifications and income level on the career aspiration among secondary school students in Ogoja Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Two research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The research adopted a survey design. A total of 597 respondents participated in the study. The One-way ANOVA statistical tool was employed to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Finding revealed that parental educational qualifications do not significantly influence the career aspirations of the students. Also, parental income level has a significant influence on the career aspirations of the students. The study concluded that not all parental variables affect career aspiration of students. The study recommended that schools should implement comprehensive career guidance programs that take into account the economic background of students' families, providing tailored support and resources to those from lower-income families.